DETROIT – More than 100 leaders from business, philanthropy, education, government and community organizations gathered Monday at Focus: HOPE for Power Up: Shaping an Inclusive Tech Economy for Detroit, a convening focused on building a stronger and more inclusive future for Detroit’s growing technology sector.
Hosted by Detroit Future City in partnership with Song Foundation and Kapor Foundation, the event highlighted findings from the recently released report, Tech for Tomorrow: A Vision for Detroit, and explored the actions needed to position Detroit for long-term tech growth.
The report projects Detroit could capture more than 20,000 new tech jobs and generate $6.8 billion in wages over the next five years with sustained investment, stronger startup support systems and a coordinated strategy around talent and capital.
Among those in attendance was Marlo Rencher. Mayor Mary Sheffield was not in attendance but shared the following statement in support of the convening.
“This report reinforces the fact that Detroit is a growing hub for innovation and that the potential here for jobs and economic growth is enormous, both for innovators and for Detroiters interested in jobs technology,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “There is real opportunity in Detroit to create an equitable economy fueled by the tech sector and we invite all innovators to help write this new chapter.”
The convening featured a data presentation from Ashley Williams Clark, followed by a fireside conversation moderated by Hilary Doe with Khalilah Burt Gaston and Dr. Allison Scott. Speakers discussed strategies to expand computer science education, strengthen workforce pipelines, improve access to capital for founders of color and accelerate Detroit’s innovation ecosystem.
Participants also engaged in collaborative discussions centered on next steps to ensure Detroit’s tech growth is equitable, community-driven and sustainable.
